Collapsible lantern.



- T. F. GARNEY.

COLLAPSIBLE LANTERN.

APPLICATION rum) AUG.2Z, 1914 Patented Dec. 8, 1914.

UNITE STATES PATENT OFFICE.

THOMAS IF. GARNEY, OF ILION, NEW YORK.

COLLAPSIBLE LANTERN.

Application filed August 22, 1914.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, THOMAS F. CARNEY, acitizen of the United States, residing in Ilion, county of Herkimer,State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inCollapsible Lanterns, of which the following is a specification.

The invention is an improved collapsible lantern, the object of which isto provide a simple and substantial structure, which is of attractiveappearance when set up and adapted to collapse in an advantageous mannerfor safe storage or shipment. Fith these ends in view the inventioncomprises the parts, improvements and combinations which will now bebriefly described, and more particularly pointed out in the appendedclaims.

In the accompanying drawings illustrating the preferred embodiment ofthe invention: Figure 1 is an elevation of the lantern; Fig. 2 is a sideelevation of one of the frames; Fig. 3 is a plan view of the lanterncollapsed and with the transparent panels removed; Fig. 4: is asectional plan on line 44: of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentaryside elevation of the lower part of the lantern collapsed; Fig. 6represents a portion of Fig. 4 on an enlarged scale; and Fig. 7 is anenlarged perspective, detail view.

The frame-work of the lantern includes a plurality of vertical frames 2and 3, hingedly connected on vertical axes 4:, substantially centrallyof the lantern, so that they may be opened outward in radiating relationor folded into flat condition. The frame designated 2 extendshorizontally the width of the lantern, and may be termed a diametricalframe. It comprises a bottom bar 5, preferably straight, a top bar 6,shown as bent or fashioned into an ornamental shape, and preferablylonger than the bottom bar, vertical bars 7 connecting the outerportions of the top and bottom bars, and, also, short vertical bars 8depending from the extremities of the top bar, beyond the bars 7, towhich they are preferably connected, as at 16 (Fig. 2), for structuralpurposes. It follows that the upper part of the frame is wider than thelower part and overhangs this part. The other hinged frames 3, of whichthere are two or more at each side, correspond substantially to half ofthe diametrical frame 2, and are hingedly connected thereto at eachside. In

Specification of Letters Patent.

PatentedDec. 8, 1914.

Serial No. 858,002.

the particular construction illustrated a plate 9 is secured in atransverse opening in the bottom bar 5 in projecting relation at eachside thereof; and the inner ends of the bottom bars 5 of the frames 3are slotted to receive the edges of this plate, to which they are hingedby the vertical pivot pins 4. The manner of hinging the top bars 6 tothe top bar 6 of the diametrical frame is the same as in the case of thelower bars. A hanging or ornamental member 19 is fixed to the middle ofthe top bar, 6; and a pin 10 or other means for receiving a candle orother source of illumination is mounted on the middle of the bottom bar5. The vertical bars 7 and 8 of the frames 3 are identical with the bars7 and 8 of the frame.

Separate transparency bearing panels 11 and 12 are adapted to beinserted between the outer portions of the hinged frames so as to formthe wall of the lantern and at the same time serve to lock the hingedframes open. The panels 11 engage the outer portions of the upper, widerparts of the frames and are consequently wider and farther from thecenter of the lantern than the panels 12, which engage the outer edgesof the lower parts of said frames. Preferably the panels 11 are shorter,vertically, than the panels 12, the upper and lower parts of the framesbeing similarly proportioned. The engagement of the panels with theframes is effected by means of lugs 13 projecting either from the edgesof the panels or the frames and sockets 11 in the members which do notbear the projections. At one of the vertical joints thus formed, at eachside of the diametrical frame, the sockets 14 are elongated verticallyand provided with lateral entrances 15, into which the cooperatinglugsmay be introduced sidewise, the panel then being slid downward to lockit. After two of the compartments or sections at either side have beenfilled with panels, this con struction enables the remaining panels tobe inserted without difficulty.

When the lantern is set up it appears as shown in Fig. 1. In order tocollapse it, the transparency panels are taken out and placed flatagainst each other, after which the frames 3 are folded flat against theframe 2, as shown in Fig. 3. It will be understood that the transparencypanels may be of any suitable construction. Preferably, they areapproximately rectangular frames, covered or filled with transparent ortranslucent material, though any other rigid structure provided withmeans for allowing the light to pass will do as well.

What is claimed as new is;

1. A collapsible lantern, comprising a plurality of vertical frameshingedly connected on vertical axes substantially centrally of thelantern, the frames being adapted to be opened in radiating relation andclosed in flat condition, and separate transparencybearing panels havingmeans of engagement with the outer portions of said frames and adaptedto be inserted betweenthe same to form the outer walls of the lantern,said panels serving to lock said frames open.

2. A collapsible lantern, comprising a plurality of vertical frameshingedly connected on vertical axes so as to be capable of being foldedinto fiat condition, said frames having their upper parts wider than andoverhanging their lower parts, and two sets of separate transparencybearing panels having means of engagement with the outer portions of theupper and lower parts of said frames, respectively, said panels when inplace being at different distances from' the center and serving to lockthe hingedly connected frames in open condition.

3. A collapsible lantern, comprising a wide vertical frame which extendsdiametrically of the lantern when the latter is opened, narrow verticalframes hingedly connected with the diametrical frame at opposite sidesthereof so as to be capable of folding flat against the same, andseparate transparency-bearing panels having means of engagement with theouter parts of the frames in order to lock the same in open condition.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification, inthe presence of two subscribing witnesses.

THOMAS r. CARNEY.

WVitnesses Annular-I D. RI HARDsoN, CONRAD KLEPPLE.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressingthe Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. C. i

